City commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Commissioner Kathy Carter mayor pro tempore after they were sworn in Monday at their first meeting.

The mayor pro tem serves as the city's top official in the absence of the mayor.

Mayor Gippy Graham called the special meeting before Commissioner Rodney Williams nominated Carter, who served as the city's mayor pro tem in her first term.

Commissioner Bill May seconded Williams' motion. May moved that further nominations cease, which Williams seconded.

Prior to Monday's meeting, Graham and the commissioners were sworn in publicly after being officially sworn in Dec. 11, per the Kentucky League of Cities recommendations that new officials take the oath of office before Jan. 1.

Officials said the early swearing in was designed to prevent confusion in case of an emergency on Dec. 31.
Franklin District Judge Kathy Mangeot administered the oath to Williams, Graham, May and Commissioner Sellus Wilder at Monday's ceremony.

Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Mary Noble administered the oath to Carter. Both are natives of Breathitt County and attended the same Sunday school class as children.

The oath taken by local officials says they have not participated in or accepted a duel.

The Kentucky constitution prohibits elected officials who have been involved with duels from taking office.